The Unicorn of Gudmund Snilstveit

May 4, 2015

Norwegian triathlete Gudmund Snilstveit raced this very distinctive Swift Neurogen on the challenging course at Ironman 70.3 Pays D'Aix last weekend, and you likely noticed right away why we referred to it as the Unicorn. But is not just the handlebar setup that is interesting, he rides a 1x setup, but unlike the one from Jordan Rapp we featured earlier this one is home made. Snilstveit ended up with a 2:20 bike split despite taking a wrong turn at one roundabout and crashing at another one. He mostly though was unhappy with his 27:34 swim.

When Gudmund Snilstveit parks his size L Swift Neurogen at a coffee shop or checks it into transition, he can be sure that the bike will get attention. Although that is not the reason for having this setup. Snilstveit is 189cm tall and is 33 years old.

The customized extension for these 3T Ventus bars are truly unique. Snilstveit said this setup is lighter and stiffer and the singular SRAM shifter is mounted direct without the expansion wedge. Length of the extension is 40.5cm.

Up close where the extension meets the 3T Ventus bars. Snilstveit does not ride with a computer, and he refers to it as – riding Amish.

The side view of the front end shows how the shift cable neatly disappears into the frame.

If the producers of the History Channel Vikings show get a hold of this name, they will immediately have a new warrior name for the next season of the show.

Snilstveit rides 177.5mm SRAM Red cranks with a 54 tooth Rotor QRing. He also has the small one in place behind it but that one is just there for an accidental chain drop. According to the pilot that has happened twice when soft pedaling. So this is maybe inspiration to not do so.

The view from above shows that he has disabled the front derailleur and only uses it as a chain guide for this home made 1x setup. He though said he is working on a better solution to keep the chain in place.

Snilstveit has a SRAM Force WiFLi 11speed rear derailleur that moves a Shimano 105 chain over the 11-32 Shimano 105 cassette. He though considers replacing that chain with a SRAM Red22.

The Norwegian rides an Essax 226 saddle with 2 Arundel Mandible zip tied close below. He drilled 2 holes under the saddle for the zip ties. Usually he uses 1 bottle for gel and 1 for liquids.

A Veloflex tubular 22mm tire is mounted up front on a Zipp 808 Firecrest. In the back the setup is Veloflex 25mm tubular on a Zipp Sub9 disc.

The skewers are by View-Speed.

For the course at 70.3 Pays D'Aix and most other races he is not familiar with Snilstveit adds a map to his extension so he has an idea where he is on the course. Something you often see on the setup of Paris-Roubaix cyclists.